Friday, July 30, 2010

(I could caption all the photos, but really do I need to? I think not)

A week ago I took the terrarium making class at workshop with the lovely Robyn. Before heading over we went to the Green Chili Kitchen. (I am just mentioning that because I love that place and you should go there.) Anyway, it was a fabulous night! The instructor was gloriously fun, and all the materials were provided. She had gone gone shopping at Goodwill to get us all our glass options. (1. I love upcycling. 2. I really really love that I got to turn an old coffee pot into a terrarium!!) Plus, they gave us little zines so we can make our own terrariums at home any time we like.

This was my second class at workshop and I love how comfortable and communal the whole thing feels. Everyone is so chill and just happy to be creating something. I had so much fun I made an extra one. Oh, but most importantly I got to create something with a new friend.

I cannot express how much creating things is a healing process (especially when those things involve tiny little cake toppers). It means even more when that creation happens with new friends that are excited to walk beside you, even when they barely know you, as you heal.

Anyway, I can't wait to pick another class to take. I am thinking screen printing or sewing or if the do another ginger beer class I am so there!!

Some things you might should know: charcoal keeps terrariums from smelling bad and the best books on how to make terrariums are apparently the old school 1970's originals (at least that is what the instructor said, I have not personally done a comparison).

Oh Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon thy holy will. In every hour of the day reveal thy will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all the comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray thou thyself in me. Amen. ~Eastern Orthodox Prayer~ (with some minor edits by me)

These words are on the statue of liberty, and today the Arizona law went into effect.

Mathew 25: 34-36

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

These are the words of Jesus in the parable of the sheep and goats, and today the Arizona law went into effect.

2 babies wedding weekend with Jules san francisco ordination partyillustrating a children's book my new custom shirt by d.light a give away contest with d.light(giving you a chance to win a free custom shirt!) improving Abolitionist Divameeting with SAGEtalking to Lela learning how to screen print making a set of shirts new fabulous friendssetting up my etsy shop Absinthe brewingBerry Picking running

I have so many wonderful things happening these days and for that I am grateful.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

(These photos were taken last Saturday morning. I was already running lateso don't tell my friends I stopped here, but it was lovely.)

I have stopped off at Sight Glass twice. My first time was a coffee fail and a service score, my second time was fabulous on both accounts. I kind of love that they use an ipad for their cash register, but more than that it is good espresso with smiling service.

During my first visit the coffee buyer was there and he chatted with me about why they are going with direct trade over fair trade, and how much he cares about the workers being paid well as well as the coffee being the best quality. He warned me before he made it that they were having issues with the machine and was kind of adorably upset with himself when he made me a less than stellar espresso. Sadly, I was in a rush and he couldn't redo it, so it was free (that part was not sad, I am never sad to have a free americano). When I went back this past weekend my latte was fabulous, and the service was just as wonderful as it had been the time before.

As an act of love, prayer is a courageous act. It is a risk we take. It is a life-and-death risk, believing in the promises of the gospel, that God’s love is indeed operative in the world. In prayer we have the courage, perhaps even the presumption and the arrogance or the audacity to claim that God’s love can be operative in the very specific situations of human need that we encounter. ~John E. Biersdorf, Healing of Purpose~

This is where I will be with the lovely Christine this Saturday. That is unless Cletus the Fetus decides that he is ready to be Cletus the Baby. I am a bit torn between wanting to see the little guy here in person and wanting to walk/waddle around at the craft fair with a fabulously pregnant Christine. I think I know what Christine would prefer.

Either way the Renegade Craft Fair should be gloriously worth the trip to Fort Mason. I have been wanting to go the past two years and various other things have proven distracting. This year little Cletus might be the distraction. Nonetheless, if it works out I will be spending the day at Fort Mason because I already have evening plans to be watching the gorgeous Amy Foote perform in The Magic Flute in a different part of Fort Mason at 8.

This is shaping up to be a wonderful weekend, and it is only Wednesday!

Every few weeks I teach Sunday school at my church (at least I am starting to, also I attend 2 faith communities, long story, anyway back to the actual story I am telling). A few weeks ago the lesson was about Hannah. I focused on how it is okay to be sad (a lesson I feel that all 4-year-olds should learn, most grownups should learn it as well). As I prepared for the lesson I felt like God was gently telling me: it is okay that you are broken, it is okay for you to cry out to me. Hannah cried out so desperately that she appeared to be drunk; therefore, it might be okay if I fall apart a bit, just as long as when I cry out I am crying out to God.

Funny how quickly I forget these little lessons. This past weekend, I was a broken mess, pretending to be fine. I was not fine. Still, sitting in church on Sunday so much of the liturgy served as a reminder that God will take any sacrifice I will give, even if it is my broken heart.

So, generally I don't post Christian songs or lyrics or anything, but this song is definitely speaking to my heart.

Some fun side notes: 1) David Crowder Band leads worship at UBC in Waco where I attended church while I was in seminary. 2) Dutton was the "b-team" band that would fill in for them when they were on tour. 3) Dutton is the name of the street UBC is on.

Monday, July 26, 2010

For ages my friend Rachel has been telling me that I needed to meet her friend Jaclyn. It finally happened a few weeks ago as we were both working to help coordinate details for the wonderful Rachel's birthday trip to Pie Ranch. As I was reading through the multitude of emails going over ride details I noticed her web address at the bottom of an email. Curiosity compelled me to look at her work (really I had no choice). I was smitten! Huge blog/artist crush! Much of her work is based off her experience in Uganda and it is amazing. I just love all things block and screen print, and I really have a thing for Polaroids. So clearly, I adore her work. To add to my artist crush, we actually have hung out since than and she really is fabulous.

There is, in a word, nothing comfortable about the Bible -- until we manage to get so used to it that we make it comfortable for ourselves. But then we are perhaps too used to it and too at home in it. Let us not be too sure we know the Bible ... just because we have learned not to have problems with it. Have we perhaps learned ... not to really pay attention to it? Have we ceased to question the book and be questioned by it?~Thomas Merton, Opening the Bible~

I must confess, despite loving the Bible, I do not read it as regularly as I would like. I even avoid it at times, because it is hard. It it challenging not just because sometimes I feel it is asking me to live up to a standard higher than I can even dream. (I know we all think the Sermon on the Mount is nice and all, but really do you know anyone that lives up to it? If you do can you introduce me?) But more it is hard to read, because I am not sure why on earth it is the best story I have to tell me who God is. I want the book to tell me more, and I want the stories to make sense together.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

This past week I was compared to fine china - in that when it breaks it tends to shatter.

I would love for the comparison to be in reference to how fine china is delicate and beautiful, hand crafted and painted, cherished and handed down for from generation to generation, but no. It was about how when fine china breaks, it breaks into tiny pieces. It is not only delicate; it is fragile. When it falls from someone's careless hands or is bumped off a table where it has been recklessly placed too close to the edge, everyone gasps long before it hits the floor. We all know what is going to happen. We can all see the pieces even before they are broken.

So it seems that my level of fragility is a bit high these days. As much as I want to change it, I think I need to listen to the advice of some very loving friends and know that I can only be where I am at, I can only feel how I feel, and I can only be who I am.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

A ton of amazing people and my faith community are hosting this event tonight. As a matter of discipline and rest and in light of the teaching, wedding shower attending, baby shower hosting and dog sitting I will be sitting this event out. Nonetheless, it is an evening worth the shout out, so if you are available please enjoy the music.

Friday, July 23, 2010

God’s love is such a powerful companion for us that no matter how searing or how intense the hurt of a loss is we know that our spirit need not be destroyed by it; we know that God will help us to recover our hope, our courage, and our direction in life. ~Joyce Rupp, Praying Our Goodbyes~

Walking to work this morning I walked by The Curiosity Shop and yelled into the window "I love these ties." The guy inside smiled at me and I went on my way. They were setting up the 'forage' pop up show.

I have seen these hand made ties on both Oh Joy and sfgirlbybay. So, clearly I am behind. It seems that everyone else knew they were coming to the cutest shop on Valencia, but still I was one of the first to see them in the window and they are LOVELY.

If I were in love, I would buy the man I adore this tie and kiss him while he wears it.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

This might be creepy, bad blogger etiquette, but I have had ship tattoos on the brain, and when I google searched ship tattoos this beautiful image appeared. From the blog I think his name is Dave and I doubt he expected his tat to show up on my blog. The other tattoos on this post by Delicious Musings are also really beautiful (I want the couple one when I get married).

Details on the project are forthcoming and I am excited about it. You should check out Rachel's new line. It is fun and fabulous. You will be hearing more about it soon... but for now I am off to sip wine and learn how to make a terrarium with the lovely Robyn Klein.

(Chips and queso bring joy to my soul and remind me that I miss Texmex.)

(Montado Breakfast: HeuvosRancheros over a piece of steak, so good!)

(Those are paper cranes hanging from the ceiling. If I were braver I would have gotten a photo of our vintage dress wearing and super helpful waitress. Someday I will be that level of a blogger. Nonetheless, you get the idea, great chill atmosphere.)

After my Pearl Cup latte with Tori, Jenny got into town and we headed to All Good Cafe for our lunch. I feel like a bit of a nerd sharing my food adventures with you, but really what is more fun than discovering new things and sharing a meal with friends?

This little bit of Austin in Dallas is located in a nearly deserted but once hopping Deep Ellum. Now, I love Austin and would rarely offer the praise of comparing the ubber polished Big D with the wonder that is Austin. (I mean how does such a liberal city become capital of a conservative state? Really, Austin you are an anomaly). Anyway, this place is taste of Austin in Dallas that in reality is perfectly Dallas. Good down home country cooking in the city, complete with steak for breakfast/late lunch (hipster brunch at 1, say what?).So you may ask "What makes All Good Cafe so good?" And if you don't the menu will tell you anyway as it proudly boasts local suppliers, quality ingredients, and their culinary inspirations. It is farmers market fresh and you can taste it. Add to that the place is completely devoid of the usual Dallas pretentiousness, our waitress was supper helpful, the coffee was great, (a total must), their were a ton of options on the menu, the prices where good and the servings were huge! I should not have finished my meal, but I did.

Monday, July 19, 2010

This week is going to be full. I worked until almost 8 tonight. I am working until 7 tomorrow. Wednesday I have a class at Workshop. Thursday I have 2 meetings after work (both a mix of business and pleasure, I am finally getting a logo done for simplediva!!). Friday I have the night off except for the part where I will be working on finishing details for my weekend plans. Saturday and Sunday I have a wedding shower and a baby shower on top of teaching about human trafficking at the John School (First Offender Prostitution Program) add to that dog sitting this weekend and I am booked.

Funny thing is I am supposed to be taking time off from my tribe so I can rest. To be honest I have had some rest, and helping with parties gives me joy. But here is the most significant part: I feel that God is aware that I am seeking to love more and God is opening those doors even in my rush.

Today was shaping up to be an emotionally challenging day, when my friend Dan invited me to join his community group tonight for a potluck in Delores Park. It was a super chill night. Most of the food was chips and hummus, with some fabulous box wine from Bi-Rite. Alongside the modest fixings was inspiring conversation. Adam Snell and I chatted about teaching justice in the church and creating more effective blogs, websites, and even for profit businesses to fight human trafficking. I chatted with others about art and our crazy lives in general. I swung on the swings and I wore gloves massively too big for me to fight up the chill of the summer evenings in San Francisco. Overall impressive in its un-impressiveness.

I know this doesn't sound like anything too amazing, but it was. It was amazing because it felt like I was being wooed by my Creator reminding me of how happy I can be and how full my life is and reminding me that I am loved by so many people.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

A few weeks ago (maybe months ago) I posted about loving my Sunday morning rituals and how they get my week off to a good start. For weeks (maybe months) I have not been able to maintain my desired rituals, and somehow many of these Sundays have been even more beautiful than my ritual sets them up to be.

This morning I woke up grumpy, Sundays seem to have this effect. I texted two friends to determine my plan for the morning and Rachel was going to be at church at 9... it was 8:15 when I got this message.In a rush and a flurry I got up and went to church. The sermon was on the Song of Songs and more specifically desire and sexuality. I needed to hear it. I really appreciated our pastors approach to the subject. Song of Songs is one of my absolute fave books of scripture so my reflections on the sermon require their own post on a later date. Nonetheless, it was good for my soul, and I will tell you about it soon.

But for now I am posting on my spontaneous after church trip to Indie-mart with the fabulous Lydia Pierce. We went to meet up with some of her friends and ended up making some new friends as we shopped. I have to say I love Indie-Mart. It is so fun and inspiring. I love being around handmade creative design and vintage stuff. It really does make my heart sing! I also love being around people that value hand made and authentically old stuff. Add to that music, crafts, drinks, food and a rare sunny day in San Francisco, it was fabulous.

Here are some pics of what made today fun.

(I made paper mustaches with Lydia courtesy of Broke Ass Stuart, because I am young, broke and beautiful!)

(This is fun vintage stash was brought to you by Little Curiosities , seriously I covet stuff like this!)

(This lady had some great vintage dresses, no shop in the city as of yet. You can check her out online at Jazz Boogie. I loved her stuff.)

(The Workshop was there with DIY Terrariums, and I am taking their class with Robyn this week to learn how to make my own. Joy!)

(I had no cash, so Lydia bought me lunch from Thee Parkside: pulled pork, vegan chili, and a margarita. It was an odd combo, I know, but so good.)

After Indie-Mart we enjoyed the sun at Delores Park, and I ate dinner with Leah. Overall, I have to say it was a fabulous day.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

I read the book unsure what to expect. I knew that it is considered one of the essential civil rights manifestos, and that was about it. I had read quotes here and there; these quotes had been enough to compel me to read this 105-page challenge to the American view of race. Honestly, despite years of school and writing more book reviews than I can count, I cannot give you a synopsis of this book that does it justice. (This is not because I am bad writer, but because I believe the book is that good and unsettling). Here is my best shot.

The book takes you on a journey from being a 14 year old in pre-civil rights Harlem discovering his sexuality and his awakening to the reality of being black in a system of oppression. After his conversion experience he takes us into the world of a preaching a Christian message he eventually could no longer abide with and almost in passing he mentions leaving the church. Nonetheless, his views on faith and practice are strong and challenging. The social commentary addresses the harsh truth that if the world could allow the Holocaust there is no reason the same atrocity could not be enacted towards the blacks in the U.S. A large portion of this short book deals with one visit with the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He addresses the debate over God being black and whites being the devil. His final assertion that is that “If we-and now I mean the relatively conscious whites and relatively conscious black, who must, like lovers, insist on, or create, the consciousness of others-do not falter in out duty now, we may be able, handful that we are, to end the racial nightmare, and achieve our country, and change the history of the world. If we do not now dare everything, the fulfillment of that prophecy, re-created in song by a slave, is upon us: God gave Noah the rainbow sign, No more water, the fire next time!”

This book strikes me as a loving warning that the U.S. could not continue to function as it did and I content that 50 years later we still cannot continue in the way we are. It is a challenge to both blacks and whites to be aware that the level of hate and oppression coming from both sides will eventually destroy us both. It also challenges issues that I felt go beyond race but deep into humanity. The way he addresses love and sensuality is beautiful and striking. His challenge of faith and the gospel message is telling, in that to me it speaks of how Christianity has been watered down to being useless in light of injustice.

Below is a collection of some of my favorite quotes. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

“Therefore, when I faced a congregation, it began to take all the strength I had not to stammer, not to curse, not to tell them to throw away their Bibles and get off their knees and go home and organize, for example, a rent strike.” (pg 39)

“To be sensual, I think, is to respect and rejoice in the force of life, of life itself, and to be present in all that one does, from the effect of loving to the breaking of bread.” (pg 43)

“Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know that we cannot live within. I use the word “love” here not merely in the personal sense but as a state of being, or a state of grace-not in the infantile American sense of being happy but in the tough and universal sense of quest and daring and growth.” (pg 95)

“In short, we, the black and the white, deeply need each other here if we are really to become a nation-if we are really, that is, to achieve our identity, our maturity, as men and women.” (pg 97)

“… people who cannot suffer can never grow up, can never discover who they are.” (pg 98)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

(The Pearl Latte, rated the Best Latte in Dallas by D magazine, I agree.)

(Logo, obviously.)

(If I lived in the Big D now I would sit here on my laptop.)

(When I went back on day two, because it was that good, I flirted with the cute guy behind the counter.)

Once upon a time I lived in Dallas. I enjoyed plays, opera, concerts, and museums. I do like Dallas; however, most of the time I ate at chain restaurants and drank Starbucks. I had a favorite Starbucks that was super close to the SMU campus. I went to regularly because it was so far away from my college campus that I could actually get some studying done, no one there knew me. I studied for all my abnormal psych tests there. Anyway, here is my point: I discovered an entirely new Dallas on this trip and I loved it!! It was unpretentious, organic, local food and all kinds of flavor. I got some fun photos on my one day of roaming.

The above images were taken over a fabulous latte with Tori at The Pearl Cup, a place suggested by Lydia. The chat was a fabulous pre-wedding day catch up. We talked about life and love and hope and change and everything in between. It was the perfect caffeinated and sentimental way to kick off my time in Dallas.

Now for the latte: I really wish I could describe how lovely the latte was. It has a gloriously smooth texture, a bit creamy and it's unexpected flavor in an intentional mystery. Hints of vanilla and utter joy were about all I could pick up.

Well, I am a bit tired now so you will hear about my other food/drink adventures later.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I am so excited to be back in SF, but as early as 9 am I already missed Texas. Much of the past 5 days has been spent pondering moving back to Texas (in a few years, I love my job too much to leave now.)

I brought stuff back from Texas that I bought in Africa, India, Greece, and Taiwan; these places took my heart when I took their trinkets.

Growing up I was taught that if you gave to much of your heart away you would eventually have nothing left to give. I think that was a lie. The more I loose pieces of my heart, and the more I find pieces that I never knew could break, the more I realize how resilient my heart is.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Holy Crap! I have been entrusted with the Good news. I am overjoyed and terrified. I am grateful and intimidated. I am excited and nervous. I am hopeful that I will learn how over the years to be a prophet and a pastor.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove: Oh, no! It is an ever-fixed mark. That looks on tempests and is never shaken; it is the star to every wandering bark, whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle's compass come; love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved.~Sonnet 116 William Shakespeare

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Reading list for the trip:The Fire Next TimeJesus For President (yes I am slow reader and still reading it, and by slow I might just mean ADD)Rediscovering Values Brueggemann, articles on the LamentsBonhoeffer, excerpts on Religion-less Christianity(somehow I plan to read all of this in 5 days while attending wedding festivities and my ordination party, oh and time with family and friends, yes I am crazy, I mean ambitious.)

(Dani mentioned it on her blog and I think it will be a good mood setter for attending a wedding)

Activities for the plane:Knitting (the same scarf I have been working on for over 2 years)

Music:Jenny is going to make us a mix CD for the road, I am excited.

Hopes:for time with family and friendsfor long drives on Texas highwaysfor long chats with people I have missed for so longfor time to play with Cloe and Emoryfor laughter with my mom and dadfor a beautiful happily ever after for Torifor the blessing and celebrating of my ordination with family and good friendsfor rest

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

“A glass of absinthe is as poetical as anything in the world, what difference is there between a glass of absinthe and a sunset.”- Oscar WildeI spent my evening yesterday with the fabulous Kirk family. As always Laura was an amazing host with a beautiful dinner served complete with 2 cocktails, the kids were a blast, and Daniel was a joy to chat Scripture and theology with. However, the real event of the night was infusing absinthe. We used the recipe from Strong Waters. I am excited about my second try at making this infamous drink. It is a practice in patience, the drink has to sit for 3 months! Nonetheless, it is probably valuable for me to learn to wait for good things.

(herbs, including some mood altering ones, hehe)

(We mixed them in a coffee grinder that Laura uses for her spices, we cleaned it first)

(And now it sits for 3 months!! side note, we almost forgot the sugar, you have to have the sugar because it does something with the base and acid levels to make it infuse... I am not a science person.)

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Friday, July 2, 2010

Such good food with such amazing coworkers. I love the people I work with, their ideas and adventures. I realize neither food nor friends are featured in the above photos. Still, the atmosphere was beautiful, simple and classic. It felt a bit like I was in a classic Southern home, with better lighter food. I love that there are positive things happening in the neighborhood where I work. Check it out sometime, you will enjoy.

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SIMPLE DIVA

On May 8, 2013 I decided to take on a 365 day challenge to stop buying clothes and accessories. I am pretty sure I can maintain a polished and fashionable look even without buying new items to update my style. Over the year I plan to post about my outfits and my life. I am also going to take advantage of this time to work on my finances overall- I will post about those adventures along the way.

This is a blog about my life, mostly because my family is half a country away and many of my favorite people live all over the world. For you I share my thoughts on loving the world and changing it at the same time. These thoughts include DIY adventures, attempts at simplicity and activism, and pursuing wholeness for myself and others. I hope you are inspired and amused, and more than that I hope you feel love.

About Me

I want to change the world, feed the hungry, educate people, serve others, love God, and create beauty as much as I enjoy it. I enjoy writing cheesy post as well as thoughtful ones. I have great friends all over the world and a pretty amazing life. Even when I don't say it I know that the kingdom is here and all good things are the work of the Creator. My hope is that in everything I am a reflection of the goodness of The Creator.